A visit to Kakku Pagodas, believed to date back over 2,000 years, makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world, one that’s filled with stupas and little else. Almost 2,500 of them dot the hills near Inle Lake. Some of them have fallen into ruin but many are well-preserved. You can also see a few restored stupas.
The Kakku Pagoda festival is held during Tabaung, the 12th month of the traditional Burmese calendar (March), which marks the end of the cool season. During the 9 day festival the Pa-Oh people dance in traditional costumes and bring food offerings and pay homage to the pagodas.
The Kakku complex is located in the hills South East of Inle Lake. The 60 kilometer drive from Taunggyi takes 1½ to 2 hours; from the West end of the lake it takes another hour extra. Alternatively, a very scenic but challenging trek through the hills takes 5 to 7 hours, depending on the starting point. Admission to the site is US$ 3 (price may change) per person. To visit the site, visitors must hire a Pa-Oh guide in the town of Taunggyi, who charges a fee of US$ 5 (price may change).